Frequently Asked Questions

How do we book the apartment?

You can make a reservation with us by using the CheckAvailability & Book Online Button which is on each page of the website, at the top of each page. Put in the dates you are considering and follow through on the instructions as they appear. You need to click on the "Select Units" option and select the option "1" (which means our one property of Annie's Place: the menu is designed for owners with more than one property). It is then important to indicate, on the drop down menu "Adults", how many adult and (if appropriate) children will be in your party.

You can also make a reservation by using the Contact Us sheet which is on the Contact page of this website.

Our contact details are at the bottom of each website page. If we do not answer your phone call then please leave a message or send a text to the mobile number. The landline phone number is 01856 721491. The mobile number is : 44 07503522089.

As yet, we are not registered for credit card payments: payment is by BAC or cheque. Once you have made the reservation, an email is immediately sent to us and we will email you the details of how to make your deposit within the week, thereby securing your booking. We will subsequently contact you one month before your holiday regarding payment of the balance .

What are our Booking Terms and Conditions?

If the booking is made 4 weeks or more before the holiday starts, a deposit of £100 per week is payable immediately to secure the booking. On receipt of this deposit the booking will be confirmed in writing (normally by email). If this deposit has not been received within 7 days of the booking enquiry then the provisional booking may lapse. The balance of the rent is due 4 weeks before the start date of the holiday. An email will be sent as a reminder.

If the booking is made less than 4 weeks before the start date, then the full rent is payable within 7 days of the booking enquiry. If the balance payment is not received by the due date, then the guest may lose the booking and the deposit will be forfeited.

What are our Cancellation Terms and Conditions?

In the event of cancellation by the guest within the 4 week period before a holiday begins, the whole rent will be retained. If we succeed in re-letting then the rent shall be returned, less the deposit which will be retained as a handling fee.

With more than 4 week’s notice of cancellation, the rent shall be returned less the deposit amount.

Cancellation Insurance – It is recommended that guests take out insurance (even for this UK holiday) to cover any monies lost to them due to above cancellation policy.

Will we need to bring our own food and provisions?

You will find tea, coffee and sugar in the cupboard when you arrive. There will also be Orkney milk and butter in the fridge. In addition to these basics, our complimentary breakfast hamper of Orkney produce will be awaiting your arrival. If you have any special dietary requirements, we suggest you bring supplies with you at least to tide you over for the first couple of days. The local shop, Palace Stores, with Post Office international banking is just next door for general provisions and off-licence facilities, but you may choose to shop in supermarkets in Kirkwall , Stromness or Dounby. The shop also sells fuel, and if your car is electric there are electric charging points throughout Orkney, the nearest to Annie's Place being in Dounby, about seven minutes drive away.

Are there places to eat, or takeaways if we do not fancy cooking for ourselves?

There are plenty of very good places to eat out in Orkney. Orkney is famous for its quality meat and fish; most finds its way to top London restaurants. At Annie’s Place, you can buy local Westray fish and Birsay beef in the Palace Stores next door….and cook it yourself! If, however, you walk up to The Barony Hotel, you can enjoy a full a la carte menu, though it advisable to check ahead that they can accommodate you. Further afield, the restaurants are good to magnificent: you will find information about many of them in the flat on your arrival.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are always welcome and will find plenty of things to entertain them in the area. Our own grandchildren live just two miles away, and the school bus leaves the village every morning of the week. We provide DVDs and the sailor’s chest is full of surprises. Two teddy bears are our permanent guests in the twin room.

Can we bring our pets?

Generally we are willing to accommodate a pet dog (no St Bernards etc.) but will ask you to forward an additional deposit of £25 to cover possible extra cleaning costs. Please note this must be pre-arranged. We have owned a number of pets in the past, including dogs!

Where can we fuel our car?

The local store also serves unleaded petrol and diesel. Prices on Orkney now benefit from an island tariff reduction of 5p per litre, to align with mainland costs. A recent development is the introduction of electricity charging pointe throughout the island and the nearest is close by in Dounby. As yet the Council is not charging for this service!

Is smoking permitted in the apartment?

There is a no smoking policy within Annie’s Place, so that guests arriving can be sure it is a smoke free apartment.

“

Gem of a spot! And absolutely fantastic hosts! Thanks Anne and Robin. We had an amazing time.

– 17th October 2018, guest from Switzerland

“

Annie`s Place is spacious, comfortable and extremely well equipped. The owners are nearby and have good information on local places to visit. This apartment is in a good situation to visit all areas of Orkney with good local walks and a shop next door. Fantastic sunsets and seal watching at the shore.

– 12th September 2018, guest from Glasgow

“

We had a wonderful stay at Annie's Place. The owners were exceptionally helpful and did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable. The house was very well equipped with many thoughtful touches and was a great base for exploring Orkney

– 10th September 2018, guest from Buckingham

“

Our third visit and everything was perfect as always. Superb accommodation in an awesome location with a welcome from Anne and Robin that's second-to-none!

– 17th August 2018, guest from Warrington

“

Delightful hosts who have taken great care in providing a lovely holiday home. Accessible to exploring West Mainland easily. Although we didn't use the garden because we were out & about, knowing we could enjoy a beautiful garden / sit by the sea if we wanted to was much appreciated.